Reply by Scott Parsons

I know that the Shopsmith is always one of those “can of worms” that can be dangerous to open but I do appreciate people’s feedback. I find that people feel as strongly about SS as Festool owners feel about their Festools. I’m a happy Festool owner but also know where to draw the line when it comes to their line.

The Shopsmith interests me because I will want two bandsaws in time. The SS will be a medium detail tool and later I’ll get the 19” Grizzly or maybe the Rikon. Having the ability to have the SS bandsaw set up at the same time as the lathe also seems like a good idea.

This is my livelyhood and I’m well aware of my needs and limitations. I’ve been spoiled when I started my business because I joined a woodworking co-operative here in Toronto and they had all the machinery you could wish for but now, well, gotta start somewhere!

Spending too much up front will sink me but wasting money on a cheap tool that will hurt productivity and workmanship would be just as bad. That’s why I’m looking for people’s experience with the SS machine.